According to Le Nouvel Observateur, Kane will join the fashion house December 1, though no source is cited, and there's been no confirmation from the designer or Balenciaga ... but Le Nouvel Obs is a pretty reputable publication (a real French person just told me it's a mix of the Times and The New Yorker). If true, Kane replaces Nicolas Ghesquière, whose last day as creative director is November 30 — Balenciaga CEO Isabelle Guichot didpreviously tell WWD that a name would be announced "as soon as we're ready," adding, "We have a short list." Friday night discussion topic, everyone!

Update I:Elle.fr spoke with the fashion house, which denied Christopher Kane's December 1 arrival. Balenciaga said no decision has been made (i.e. Kane hasn't been ruled out, for the optimists), and a new creative director would be appointed in two or three weeks.